As India begins to navigate its transition into the ‘new normal’ with Unlock 1.0, the Indian Custom authorities continue their relentless efforts for protecting borders from entry of infringing goods. United IPR presented in the online workshop organized by Cell for IPR Promotion and Management (CIPAM) in collaboration with the National Academy of Customs Indirect Tax and Narcotics (NACIN), Faridabad on June 3, 2020 on “Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights by Indian Customs” for the officers of Indian Customs. The workshop was attended by 60 customs officials from different ports across the country. It commenced with a technical session delivered by Mr. Sudarshan Kumar Bansal, Senior Partner- United IPR who discussed on the categories of IPR’s relevant for the Indian Customs and also illustrated various modes in which infringement occurs. Whilst recognizing the importance and role played by the Indian Custom authorities in the robust & effective implementation of the IPR laws at the territorial borders, he also discussed the specific practical challenges in curbing the ever-increasing market for counterfeit and pirate goods. The workshop continued with a session which dealt with the regulatory framework under Indian legal regime dealing with the procedure for registration, interdiction, suspension, determination and
destruction of IPR infringing goods. The participating officers were able to learn about the best practices followed by other custom authorities in enforcement of IP Rights, specific inputs and intelligence of suspicious consignments, doctrine of international exhaustion and the ways to prevent the entry of grey market goods in the country. The technical sessions were followed by presentations on behalf of various well-known brands by their respective representatives who participated in the workshop with the aim to equip the custom officials with vital inputs pertaining to distribution and supply chain of original goods, tips for detecting suspicious consignments and various methodologies to aid the officials in differentiating between original product from counterfeit. The representatives also appreciated the Indian Customs for their continued cooperation in enforcing IP rights. United IPR remains grateful to the Customs authorities who continue to work in the toughest conditions and is proud to play a part in assisting the officers in discharging their mandate.